国立情報学研究所 - ディジタル・シルクロード・プロジェクト
『東洋文庫所蔵』貴重書デジタルアーカイブ

THE reproductions in this plate are from portions of the paintings re-
covered from the west wall of the corridor surrounding the cella of the
shrine. They are good examples of the richness of colour used in these
temple paintings. The designs follow a regular scheme of composition, varying in
detail in accordance with the requirements of the incidents in the lives of succes-
sive Buddhas portrayed. The excellent condition of the surviving portions of the
pictures, apart from that which appears to be due to wanton destruction or decay
of the structure of the building, may be partly attributable to their immunity from
misguided attempts at 'preservation'.

Bez. iii. N, O

The subject here is the meeting of the Dīpankara Buddha with the Brāhman
Sumedhu, who, four asankhyeyas and a hundred thousand cycles ago (an incalculable
period), lived in Amarāvatī. He was of good family on both sides, and inherited
great wealth from his parents; but deeming the possession of worldly riches an
obstacle in his progress towards his earnestly desired goal of moral and spiritual
perfection, he gave them all away; and seeking the solitude of the forest, near the
city of Ramma, embraced the life of an ascetic.

At this time the Buddha, Dīpankara, appeared in the world and in his wander-
ings reached the city of Ramma, and took up residence in the neighbouring
monastery of Sudassana. There the people of Ramma thronged to see and hear
him, bearing garlands and many other offerings. After hearing him preach they
invited him to visit the city. Their invitation being accepted, preparations were
put in hand to render the road fit for the progress of the Buddha. Sumedhu, becom-
ing aware of these unwonted activities, asked the reason, and upon being told
requested that he might be given a section of the road to repair. The condition
must have been deplorable, for before he could finish his task, even with the help
given him by a hundred thousand miracle-working saints, Dīpankara came in
sight. Whereupon Sumedhu decided that he could not allow the Buddha to walk
on the unfinished part, and at the risk of sacrificing his life, he cast himself upon
the miry ground and spreading his hermit's mantle and his roll of matted hair,
formed a bridge for the Buddha and his following of four hundred thousand saints

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